Finding Aid to Golden Gate International Exposition Photograph Albums 1939-1940 SFP 118
Finding aid prepared by Christina Moretta
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
2019
Contributing Institution:
San Francisco History Center, San Francisco Public Library
100 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
(415) 557-4567
sfhistory@sfpl.org
Title: Golden Gate International Exposition Photograph Albums
Identifier/Call Number: SFP 118
Physical Description:
3 photograph albums (199 photographic prints); album 28.5 cm x 18 cm, prints 6.3 cm x 10 cm
(3 albums)
Date (inclusive): July 1939- August 1940
Abstract: This collection consists of three photograph albums with a total of 197 black and white, gelatin silver glossy amateur snapshots
of the Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE) held on Treasure Island, San Francisco in 1939 and 1940.
Physical Location: The collection is stored onsite.
Languages Represented: Collection materials are in English.
The collection is available for use during Photo Desk hours.
All requests for permission to publish from photographs must be submitted in writing to the Photo Curator. Permission for
publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.
[Identification of item], Golden Gate International Exposition Photograph Albums (SFP 118), San Francisco History Center,
San Francisco Public Library.
Gift.
The amateur photographer and creator of the albums is unknown but possibly depicted in the home interior shots. It can be
assumed the photographs in all three albums were made by one photographer, due to the consistent style. The photographer may
have lived locally in San Francisco as all of the prints were developed and printed by Candid Camera Photo Service at 776
Clementina Street, San Francisco.
The Golden Gate International Exposition was held from February 18 to October 29, 1939 on Treasure Island to celebrate the
recent openings of the Golden Gate and Oakland Bay bridges. More than 10 million people visited the exposition. A reorganized
exposition was held on the site May 25 through September 29, 1940.
This collection consists of three photograph albums with a total of 197 black and white, gelatin silver glossy amateur snapshots
of the Golden Gate International Exposition (GGIE) held on Treasure Island, San Francisco in 1939 and 1940. The majority of
the GGIE photographs are of exteriors of the Fair, showing extensive views of the buildings, exhibitions and other attractions.
Many of the scenes are crowded with Fair attendees. There are a few interior views and a few night scenes. One of the albums
include photos of views from Twin Peaks and the interior of a home with a mature man and woman listening to the radio and
reading. Each photographic print has the photo processors wet stamp on the verso, including the date printed.
The three albums are arranged chronologically: Album 1: July 21 – October 17, 1939; Album 2: October 1939 – May 1940; Album
3: August 1940
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Golden Gate International Exposition--(1939-1940 :--San Francisco, Calif.)
Golden Gate International Exposition (1939-1940 : San Francisco, Calif.) -- Pictorial works
Photographic prints.
Photograph albums.
Snapshots
Amateur works
Golden Gate International Exposition (1939-1940 : San Francisco, Calif.)